STA, 15 July 2021 - The Kranj District Court handed down an eight-month suspended prison sentence with a probation period of five years to a 20-year-old from Kropa who planned a shooting spree in April, after he was found guilty of attempted trafficking in weapons. He must undergo compulsory medical treatment but has been released from detention. The defendant on Thursday admitted attempted trafficking in weapons or explosives. He said that he regretted his actions and apologized.

He admitted that he had ordered a Glock semi-automatic pistol, a Remington automatic firearm and ammunition by mail from the USA to Slovenia on the dark web.

The psychiatric expert assessed that the defendant was not criminally insane at the time of the offence, but his mental capacity was significantly diminished.

Judge Andrijana Ahačič explained that she had decided on such a long probationary period because the expert considered that the defendant would benefit from treatment over a longer period of time.

The 20-year-old has been in a prison hospital since April this year, when he was arrested by Slovenian criminal investigators following a tip-off from US security authorities, who intercepted his package with weapons hidden in a microwave oven.

It was established that the man had bought the weapons to attempt a shooting spree at several public institutions in Gorenjska, reportedly including his former primary school.

The man was prosecuted only for attempted trafficking in arms. To be charged with attempted murder or manslaughter, he would have to have carried out his plans.

"After looking at all the evidence, I have assessed that the only offence proved is the one for which he was convicted," the prosecutor explained.

STA, 14 July 2021 - The centre-left opposition are considering mounting a fresh attempt to oust the Janez Janša government after failing with a vote of no confidence in February and an impeachment in May. This time, they will carry out the plan only if they are certain of their majority.

If the opposition gathers 46 votes, it will table a motion of no confidence, SocDem leader Tanja Fajon said on Wednesday after meeting the leaders of the LMŠ, Left, SAB and unaffiliated MPs.

#PredsednicaSD @TFajon po srečanju opozicije: Če bomo zbrali 46 poslanskih podpisov, bomo ponovno vložili konstruktivno nezaupnico. Ključna je odločitev DeSUS in glasovanja ta teden v DZ o štirih pomembnih odločitvah, med drugim o zakonu o demografskem skladu in odločanje o ZNB. pic.twitter.com/8z2xBpciub

— Socialni demokrati (@strankaSD) July 14, 2021

The five deputy groups do not have 46 votes among them and are counting on the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), which was split in the two previous attempts and did not deliver the majority.

DeSUS has been in disarray for months and under its latest president, Ljubo Jasnič, disputes between the party leadership and its MPs, who tend to vote with the government, have not been ironed out.

According to Fajon, the centre-left opposition will keep an eye on four key votes this week, including on the law on the national demographic fund and the new digital transformation minister, to see how DeSUS votes.

While a vote of no confidence in the entire government requires the proponents to put forward a candidate for prime minister, Fajon indicated a name had not been chosen yet.

"But any one of us who shows this interest or ambition should be ready," she said.

The attempt comes after the government suffered several defeats within just days. After a new waters act was overwhelmingly rejected in a referendum, the National Council vetoed amendments to the communicable diseases act and the candidate for the new Constitutional Court judge was not confirmed.

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA: 

Appeal for responsibility to avert lockdown

LJUBLJANA - Senior officials issued appeals for personal responsibility to avert a new lockdown. "The Covid-19 danger is still present, but responsibility for your health and the health of your loved ones is entirely in your hands," Prime Minister Janez Janša said on Twitter. "We don't need new restrictions, only responsibility and solidarity." In a similar vein, New Slovenia (NSi) leader Matej Tonin said the party was not in favour of new lockdowns and restrictions on business, the focus should be on the promotion of vaccination.

Appeals for vaccination as WHO regional director visits

LJUBLJANA - WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge, President Borut Pahor and Health Minister Janez Poklukar stressed the importance of vaccination and warned of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in view of the resurgence of infections, as they visited the Ljubljana vaccination centre. Poklukar explained that infections with the delta variant of Covid-19 have increased significantly in Slovenia in the last week, with 66 such cases recorded.

Opposition mulling another govt ouster attempt

LJUBLJANA - The centre-left opposition are considering mounting a fresh attempt to oust the Janez Janša government after failing with a vote of no confidence in February and an impeachment in May. This time, they will carry out the plan only if they are certain of their majority. If the opposition gathers 46 votes, it will table a motion of no confidence, SocDem leader Tanja Fajon said. The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) remains the key factor.

Slovenia debate at EU Parliament postponed

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A debate on Slovenia scheduled for Thursday on the European Parliament's democracy monitoring group, which was to focus on the country's failure to appoint its European delegated prosecutors, has been postponed as not all the participants could attend it tomorrow. A new date has not yet been set. The debate was to feature Slovenian Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič and European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova.

Last-minute change to border restrictions

LJUBLJANA - Tougher restrictions for crossing into Slovenia enter into force on Thursday, but Slovenia made last-minute changes to the decree by adding transit passengers and international transport among the exemptions. The decree as a whole remains valid at least until 23 July, the exemption for transit applies until 15 August. Under the new rules, the colour-coded lists of countries was replaced with the requirement that passengers who wish to enter the country need to have a Covid certificate regardless of where they come from.

Slovenia to launch debate on Fit for 55 immediately

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Slovenian EU presidency will launch a debate on Fit for 55 next week. "We will ensure a coherent and comprehensive approach in the treatment of individual dossiers," Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak told MEPs. Addressing the European Parliament's Environment Committee, Vizjak said Fit for 55 would be a top priority for the presidency, highlighting the importance of rapid action, ambition and justice.

Logar quizzed by MEPs on Western Balkans non-paper, Iran statements

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Presenting Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in foreign affairs to the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Anže Logar faced questions by MEPs about a non-paper on redrawing Western Balkan borders, the situation of North Macedonia and Albania, PM Janez Janša's statements about Iran, and media freedom in Slovenia. On Iran, he said that Slovenia was not meddling in internal affairs of other countries but would always advocate human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Judges' association protests over non-appointment of supreme judges

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Association of Judges expressed concern and indignation after the National Assembly failed to endorse two candidates for supreme judges over their past decisions, a move that they say undermines judges' independence and fundamental principles of the rule of law. The proposal by the Judicial Council to appoint Stanka Živič and Aleksander Karakaš supreme judges was rejected by 43 votes to 42 as the ruling coalition, minority MPs and opposition SNS voted against.

Illegal migration down by a third in half year

LJUBLJANA - Police dealt with 3,343 illegal border crossings in the first half of the year, almost a third fewer than in the same period last year, when there were 5,127. The most frequently processed illegal migrants were from Afghanistan (644) and Pakistan (633). The police report noted a sharp decline in the number of Pakistani and particularly Moroccan nationals, as the number of illegal migrants continues to be affected by the limited mobility due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Pahor congratulates new Israeli president

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor held a phone conversation with Isaac Herzog, the new president of Israel, to congratulate him on the election and assure him he would strive for open and fruitful bilateral relations. The presidents also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, emphasising the importance of vaccination. Herzog accepted Pahor's invitation to visit Slovenia.

Govt appoints defence intel director for full term

LJUBLJANA - Jaroš Britovšek was appointed director general of the Defence Ministry's Intelligence and Security Service (OVS) for a full term by the government on Tuesday, having served as acting director since March. He will start his five-year term on 1 August. Britovšek has been employed with the OVS since 2008 and has served in international missions and operations abroad.

Over 80 new coronavirus cases for second straight day

LJUBLJANA - A further 83 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Tuesday, almost as many as the day before, to bring the rolling 7-day average up by a further two to 61 and the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents to 30. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are now 646 active cases in the country. No patient died and hospitalisations dropped to 34.

Unions quit task force for coal restructuring

LJUBLJANA - Two energy trade unions quit an Infrastructure Ministry task force in charge of drafting measures to restructure Slovenia's two coal regions as part of an emerging national strategy. It said the ministry had ignored all our their proposals. The unions want to push back the date of the coal phaseout to 2042, the government's current target is 2033.

Race leader Pogačar wins 17th stage of Tour de France

PAU, France - Slovenia's cycling star and yellow jersey wearer Tadej Pogačar won the 17th stage of the Tour de France to increase his overall lead. Pogačar (UAE Emirates) is five minutes and 39 seconds ahead of the second-placed Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark (Jumbo-Visma) with four stages to go.

Mura advance to next round of Champions League qualifying

MURSKA SOBOTA - Mura, Slovenia's football champions, made it to the second round of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League after crushing North Macedonia's Shkendija 5:0 in Murska Sobota on Tuesday to advance on an aggregate score of 6:0. Mura will play the second round against Bulgarian champions Ludogorec later this month.

STA, 14 July 2021 - Police dealt with 3,343 illegal border crossings in the first half of the year, almost a third fewer than in the same period last year, when there were 5,127. The most frequently processed illegal migrants were from Afghanistan (644) and Pakistan (633).

As noted by the police, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Pakistani and particularly Moroccan nationals, as the number of illegal migrants continues to be affected by the limited mobility due to the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lately there has been a marked increase in the number of migrants from Bangladesh, as there were 442 in the first six months of 2021 and only 173 in the same period last year. There has also been a slight increase in the number of migrants coming from Kosovo, Turkey and Iran.

The most dramatic decrease was seen in the numbers of migrants from Morocco, as their number dropped from 1,327 in the first half of last year to just 70 this year. The number of migrants arriving from Pakistan has also dropped, from 1,276 in the January-June period last year to 633 in the same period this year.

The highest number of illegal entries at internal EU borders happened at the border with Hungary this year, which shows that problems at this border seem to be increasing. The most exposed border in this respect is still the border with Croatia.

According to the data on illegal crossings of the border by individual police departments, far fewer migrants were processed in the areas covered by the police departments of Ljubljana and Novo Mesto, while increases were recorded in Maribor, Murska Sobota, Celje and Koper.

The total number of persons who were returned to the Slovenian police (77) and of those returned to foreign authorities (1,636) has also decreased slightly in 2021, compared to the same period last year (413 and 3,157, respectively).

The number of illegal migrants who declare their intention to apply for international protection has decreased, except in the case of Pakistani nationals. However, migrants still mostly resume their journey after reaching Slovenia, heading towards their destination countries.

The total number of applications for international protection received by Slovenian authorities in the first six months of 2021 is quite similar to the same period in 2020, standing at 1,270 and 1,467 respectively.

STA, 14 July 2021 - Snežnik Castle will host Floating Castle, four days of music, dance, theatre and more in what is the largest festival in its nine-year history. A magical outdoor location under Mount Snežnik in south-western Slovenia will come alive with more than 120 musical groups and 400 artists from around the globe from 22 to 25 July.

The festival, the brainchild of artist Matija Solce, will bring 14 stages to be erected in forests and meadows, on rocks and rivers around the mediaeval Snežnik Castle.

As many as 20 set-design artists will prepare the venue and site-specific installations, which will focus on horse smugglers, Solce says in the festival's announcement.

The horse smugglers will be interpreted with sound and light installations, land-art, or sculptures as described by local chronicler Matevž Hace.

The festival will fuse world, jazz, electronic and experimental music, as well as puppet shows, dance, circus, inter-media events and theatre, including street theatre.

Shows for children will be also available alongside a marketplace, workshops, seminars, organic food and a "24/7 jam session".

Refugees from the Balkan route will present their stories, while painters will exhibit outdoors their works made as part of the Kingdom of Lynx workshop.

Festival goers will have a chance to play old games, relax at chill-out areas or read along a brook.

Solce says the Floating Castle is more than just a festival. "It is a family, a platform to unite artists with people and everyday life."

He believes the festival is "a space of surprise" where visitors experience what cannot be repeated.

Pre-festival concerts by Etno Histeria World Orchestra, a 70-member international group which will also open the festival, will start on 15 July in the town of Kubed, with some festival events visiting Koper on 26 July and Ljubljana on 27 July.

Learn more at the official website

STA, 13 July 2021 - Criminal police are investigating last week's harassment of a number of MPs by anti-maskers in front of the National Assembly, while police security around the parliament building and of parliament staff has also been strengthened, the Ljubljana Police Department said in a written statement on Tuesday.

More MPs than initially reported were a target of harassment and threats, the police said, noting that "the numbers show that these were not individual accidental expressions of people's dissatisfaction with MPs".

The statement does not say how many MPs have been attacked after changes to the infectious diseases act was passed last Wednesday, but a number of MPs publicly said they had been threatened and even spat at by a group of people when leaving the National Assembly.

Speaker Igor Zorčič said on Monday that the National Assembly was considering pressing charges against the attackers, while it had been agreed that security of the National Assembly and its staff should be improved.

The Ljubljana Police Department also said today that the perpetrators had tried to influence how MPs should vote.

According to MP Jožef Horvat from the coalition New Slovenia (NSi), the group that surrounded him wanted to know how he had voted on the changes to the law. He believes Zorčič will not hesitate to take action, but also regrets that deputy group leaders were not unanimous on the matter on Friday when they met with the speaker as, he said, some left the meeting prematurely.

MPs Mojca Škrinjar, Alenka Jeraj and Janez Moškrič from the ruling Democrats (SDS) also spoke today about recent verbal harassments and threats they experienced when entering or leaving the parliament building.

The perpetrators jostled the two female MPs and none of the MPs received help by the police or security, the MPs said.

Jeraj highlighted that such conduct was unacceptable, saying she expected the competent authorities to take action in line with the law.

"We've been raising alarm for a long time, since slogan Death to Janšism started being tolerated, warning what this will lead to," she said, adding that the MPs had also turned to Speaker Zorčič but this came to nothing.

Prime Minister Janez Janša warned on Twitter that violence against MPs had been on the rise.

A parliamentary session or a session of the National Security Council or both would be needed to give the police and prosecution a chance to explain how they plan to curb "this spiral of violence", he said.

Opposition MPs also condemned the violence with National Party (SNS) leader Zmago Jelinčič saying the police should respond immediately and blaming leftist progressive media for the developments.

Marjan Šarec of his eponymous LMŠ party said that the situation was a reflection of today's society where everyone is allowed to do as they please. He said the MPs had not been harassed by leftists, but "boys and girls from all walks of life who joined forces and are now against everything".

Left's deputy group head Matej T. Vatovec sees the reason for the developments in the SDS's year-long actions and their rhetoric of division.

Matjaž Han, the head of SocDems deputy faction, called on his colleagues in parliament to de-escalate the situation, saying there were MPs both on the left and right poles of the political spectrum who incited hate speech. He also dismissed claims by some that anti-government protesters known as Friday cyclists had something to do with this harassment.

The government amended the infectious diseases act after the Constitutional Court declared parts of it and by extension the measures introduced during the epidemic unconstitutional because they gave the government too much leeway in introducing restrictions that affect fundamental rights.

The upper chamber vetoed the amendments yesterday in an unexpected move since no group of councillors had demanded a veto; the National Council simply met to automatically debate vetoes of all major laws to facilitate their prompt implementation.

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA: 

MPs endorse climate strategy resolution until 2050

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly endorsed in a 49:17 vote a resolution on climate strategy until 2050 under which Slovenia commits to become climate neutral in the coming 30 years. Before backing it, coalition MPs added a provision saying that Slovenia will use nuclear energy in the long term, which upset part of the opposition. Under the long-term strategy, Slovenia will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90% compared to 2005 until the middle of the 21st century.

Constitutional Court nominee Kranjc one vote short

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly rejected President Borut Pahor's nominee for Constitutional Court judge, Janez Kranjc. He received 45 votes in a secret ballot, one short of the required majority, as 43 MPs voted against and one ballot was invalid. Kranjc is the third consecutive candidate put forward by Pahor to come up short in the parliamentary vote. Pahor's consultations with deputy groups leading up to the vote showed that Kranjc did not have a clear path to 46 votes. The failed appointment means that Dunja Jadek Pensa, whose nine-year term expired in mid-2020, remains on the bench until a successor is appointed.

Ministerial appointment expected on Friday

LJUBLJANA - The appointment of Mark Boris Andrijanič as minister without portfolio for the digital transformation is likely to be on the National Assembly's agenda this Friday. The ruling Democrats (SDS) expect to muster sufficient votes for the appointment. The plan is to conduct the committee hearing on Friday morning and then call an emergency plenary the same day, a proposal to be put to a vote to the college of deputy group leaders on Thursday, said SDS deputy group leader Danijel Krivec. Andrijanič told the STA that digitalisation was an exceptional opportunity for Slovenia.

Slovenian EU presidency focusing on post-pandemic recovery

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj singled out the post-pandemic recovery as the most important task for the Slovenian EU presidency as he appeared before the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Just today the Council endorsed national recovery and resilience plans by the first twelve member states and Šircelj said the presidency planned to launch a debate on fiscal policy in connection with these plans. Quizzed about the flexibility of Stability and Growth Pact rules, the minister said member states needed to be treated individually, while making sure they are not spending beyond their means in the long term.

MEPs quiz Simoniti and Kustec about press freedom, discrimination in education

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti and Education Minister Simona Kustec presented Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in their briefs to the European Parliament Committee on Culture, receiving several questions from MEPs about pandemic-related challenges, but also about press freedom and discrimination in education. Simoniti was asked about protection of independent media, while Kustec was also quizzed about how poorer families should be guaranteed better access to distance learning.

EU finance ministers endorse first 12 recovery plans

BRUSSELS, Belgium - EU finance ministers, meeting under the chairmanship of Slovenia's Andrej Šircelj, endorsed the first 12 national recovery and resilience plans, allowing member states to start drawing EU recovery funds. Šircelj labelled the approval of the plans, which do not yet include Slovenia's, a major step forward in the recovery of the European economy. Slovenia can expect confirmation of its plan at the end of the month, along with Lithuania, Cyprus and Croatia.

Kukovec endorsed for EU General Court judge

LJUBLJANA - Damjan Kukovec, senior lecturer in law at Middlesex School of Law in London, was endorsed as a candidate for judge at the EU General Court, the National Assembly having voted 74:15 in his favour in a secret ballot. Kukovec's was one of the eight applications in the open call. He was okayed as the most suitable candidate by the Judicial Council before being nominated by President Borut Pahor. Among the challenges faced by the EU's General Court, he singled out access to the court during his public presentation. Before he can take up his post, he will be interviewed by Committee 255, which vets candidates for EU Court judges.

Vodopivec Jean gets another term as central bank vice-governor

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly reappointed Irena Vodopivec Jean a vice-governor of the central bank. She will assume another six-year term after her current one ends on 6 October. Presenting her bid in her recent presentation at the Presidential Palace, Vodopivec Jean listed the role of monetary policy in the eurozone as one of the central bank's main challenges ahead. MPs endorsed her reappointment in a secret ballot in a 67:22 vote.

Equality advocate gets second term

LJUBLJANA - Miha Lobnik won a new five-year term as advocate of the principle of equality as the National Assembly voted 53:23 in favour of his reappointment. Nominated by President Borut Pahor after consultations with deputy groups, Lobnik said at his public presentation in June he wanted to continue an inclusive dialogue. Lobnik also highlighted the international dimension of his work and said the experiences would be shared with Western Balkan countries.

Parliament passes three bills to enhance oversight of EU capital market

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed three bills transposing six EU directives to enhance oversight of the EU's capital market. The bills were fast-tracked through parliament with votes of the coalition and two opposition parties, while the centre-left opposition argued that fast-tracking increased corruption risks. Parliament passed the changes to the law on the market of financial instruments as well as a bill on prudential supervision of investment firms and a bill on mortgage and municipal bonds.

Amendments to military service act endorsed

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly endorsed in a 51:11 vote amendments to the service in the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) act which aim to address long-standing labour issues and the specific rights and responsibilities of soldiers during service. Under the amendments, there will be a 4% pay bonus for soldiers due to the fact that there is a strike ban in place, and off-days for soldiers deployed in missions abroad. New regulations are in place for housing conditions for soldiers and scholarships, and there is now a legal basis for financing secondary education for candidates for voluntary service.

Electronic identification and trust services act passed

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly unanimously endorsed an electronic identification and trust services act, legislation that will make it possible to use the new biometric ID cards as electronic identification. The legislation will allow Slovenia to register its national electronic identification scheme for cross-border services, which means Slovenian users will have access to public sector e-services on the EU's internal market.

Parliament passes changes to public procurement law

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed a set of changes to the public procurement act in a 51:14 vote. The first change to the law since its passage in 2015 aims to simplify public procurement while also making it more transparent, flexible and efficient. The opposition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) and the Left meanwhile fear it would enhance corruption risks. The bill should make it easier for local governments to buy goods and services under lower value contracts whereby the bill raises the lower value from EUR 20,000 to EUR 40,000, and from EUR 40,000 to EUR 80,000 for construction projects.

Parliament amends agriculture act

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly backed in a unanimous vote amendments to the agriculture act that introduce some significant changes related to the implementation of agricultural policies. The new legislation specifies the persons eligible for agricultural policy measures, the reporting of organic matter to assess emissions, removals of greenhouse gases from agriculture, the monitoring of agricultural soils, and the regulation of fertilisation. Each farmer will have to agree that samples can be taken on their land.

Defence minister hopes Strategic Compass in place soon

ATHENS, Greece - Defence Minister Matej Tonin highlighted the Strategic Compass, a project which aims to strengthen the EU's crisis management, resilience, partnerships and capabilities, as he addressed the Defence Exhibition Athens. He hopes it will be prepared as soon as possible. The Strategic Compass provides key guidelines for common defence and security policy over the next 5-10 years. An important part of the project will take shape during Slovenia's EU presidency, the Defence Ministry said.

E-mobility and alternative fuels core transport priorities

LJUBLJANA - The main priorities of Slovenia's EU presidency in transport are e-mobility and alternative fuels, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said as he presented the presidency agenda to the European Parliament's Transport Committee. This will also be the main topic of an informal transport ministerial scheduled for September. "Priority treatment will be given to the infrastructure aspects of the promotion of a higher share of alternative and emission-free fuels in transport. We will also dedicate sufficient time to specific proposals concerning aviation and maritime fuels," he said.

President says fundamental EU values should be understood the same way

PRAGUE, Czechia - President Borut Pahor called for a strong and effective Europe as he appeared as a speaker at the Prague European Summit, recalling the bloc's fundamental values such as rule of law that he said should be understood the same way. He also received the Visions for Europe Award. Pahor urged all EU citizens to participate in the debates in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe, describing this as a unique opportunity for them to shape the future.

Speaker Zorčič urges social dialogue

LJUBLJANA - Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič urged "Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj and the government to restore social dialogue" as he received a delegation of the trade union confederations that quit social dialogue in mid-May arguing the government ignored the Economic and Social Council (ESS), the main labour relations forum. This should be done so that all stances are considered, not in a manner where the government's social partners "only get acquainted with facts", he added.

Criminal police investigating harassment of MPs

LJUBLJANA - The Ljubljana Police Department said its criminal department was investigating last week's harassment of several MPs by anti-maskers in front of the National Assembly. It also beefed up police security around the parliament building and of parliament staff. More MPs than initially reported they were a target of harassment and threats, the police said, noting that "the numbers show that these were not individual accidental expressions of people's dissatisfaction with MPs".

Slovenian EU presidency exhibition opens in Brussels

BRUSSELS, Belgium - As part of the Slovenian EU presidency, Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti opened an exhibition of contemporary Slovenian visual arts at the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday, entitled We Live in Exciting Times. The minister opposed the initial concept of the show, but was pleased with the end result. The show features artists selected by curator Marko Košan from the Koroška Gallery of Fine Arts and paintings and a sculpture that are part of the European Parliament's collection.

Mad Hatter's Wardrobe by designer Hranitelj on display in Brussels

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Costume designer Alan Hranitelj's exhibition dedicated to the wondrous and creative world of Alice in Wonderland opened in Brussels as part of the Slovenian EU presidency. Mad Hatter's Wardrobe will be on display at the headquarters of the Council of the EU until the end of the year. The exhibition, prepared in cooperation with stage designer Marko Japelj, was opened by Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti, who described it as a plethora of colourful works of art with a fairytale-like or psychedelic effect.

Slovenia supports EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security

LJUBLJANA - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs took part in a virtual seminar on the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security as chair of the EU's Home Affairs Council, stressing the role of tech development. The aim of the hub is to keep track of innovations and contribute to the development of joint technological solutions for EU member states. "In light of the Innovation Hub I'm looking forward to a more proactive approach to technological development and needs of competent authorities in this area," Hojs added.

Youth for Climate Justice urge Minister Vizjak to resign

LJUBLJANA - The Youth for Climate Justice called on Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak to step down, saying he was careless and unprofessional at his job. Responding to this, the ministry told the STA that Vizjak would continue to strive for preservation of the environment. The call for resignation comes after government-sponsored changes to the waters act were defeated in Sunday's referendum. The call for resignation comes after government-sponsored changes to the waters act were defeated in Sunday's referendum.

Foreign Ministry allots EUR 120,000 for Madagascar poor

LJUBLJANA - Pedro Opeka, the Slovenian missionary in Madagascar, has received EUR 120,000 in humanitarian aid for the country's poorest people under a strategic partnership signed between the Foreign Ministry and the Slovenian chapter the Catholic charity Caritas in June. Caritas said it had launched the first emergency response under that partnership in Madagascar this month in cooperation with Opeka with the ministry allocating the aid for the poorest.

Slovenia reports 84 new coronavirus cases for Monday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia logged 84 new coronavirus cases for Monday, an increase of 75% from the same day a week ago, for what the National Institute of Public Health estimates are now 610 active cases in the country. No Covid-19 patients died and the situation in hospitals remains stable. The rolling 7-day average of new cases rose by five to 59 and the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents increased by two to 28.